Brussels to reform traffic tax in 2027

The Brussels-Capital Region is preparing a major reform of its traffic tax system, scheduled for the second half of 2027. The initiative aims to balance ecological goals with budgetary requirements by incentivizing specific mobility patterns.

Under the proposed plan, owners of fully electric vehicles will be exempt from the basic traffic tax. Additionally, small vehicles with internal combustion engines and a maximum of five fiscal horsepower will also be exempt from the annual levy. This is expected to affect nearly 50,000 vehicles in the capital.

To offset these reductions, the cost of owning larger vehicles will increase. A weight-based coefficient will be introduced to raise registration taxes for larger cars, specifically targeting SUVs and light pickup-type trucks to discourage their use in urban environments. There are also discussions regarding potential restrictions on the access of the largest vehicles to public spaces.

This fiscal restructuring is linked to the planned introduction of a new mandatory road vignette in May 2027, costing between 90 and 125 euros. The government intends for these changes to maintain a level of budgetary neutrality for citizens by balancing tax relief with the new flat-rate fee.